In a statement, A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), stated as follows:
Large numbers of fish are floating dead in the Kosasthalai River in the Ennore estuary. Various marine organisms including Madavai, Kilangan, Oodaan, Karva, Kouthi, prawns and crabs are also found in heaps. Tonnes of dead fish can be seen over a stretch of around 10 km. We believe that the main reason is chemical waste discharged from industries in this area.
The Kosasthalai River and Ennore estuary have long remained areas polluted by industrial waste. Fly ash from thermal power plants, oil leaks from refineries, heavy-metal waste from other industries and sewage are making the specified area unsuitable for living organisms.
Although the National Green Tribunal and environmental activists have repeatedly warned about this, no serious action has so far been taken either to restore the area or against those illegally discharging wastewater. As a result, environmental pollution has worsened water quality and reduced oxygen levels, causing fish deaths. Fishing livelihoods in several villages around the estuary have consequently been affected, leaving people struggling after losing their livelihoods.
Water bodies across Tamil Nadu are losing their vitality as a result of being turned into industrial drains and sewage channels. Other water bodies have also become garbage dumps, affecting groundwater and severely damaging the environment and public health. Unless public awareness of this issue develops, it will be difficult for government action alone to bring the problem to an end.
The polluted water in the Ennore estuary should be quality-tested, an investigation should be conducted and stringent action taken against companies responsible for pollution. Dead fish creating sanitation problems should be removed, and the government should take appropriate steps to ensure that compensation is paid by the polluting companies to people in surrounding villages whose livelihoods have been affected. Waste discharge must also be prevented and monitored, and the livelihoods of people in the area must be protected. Development should never cause harm to nature and all living beings.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).
